Move over performative male, we’re embracing the era of the performative butch.
If you’ve spent any time on TikTok over the past few months, then chances are you’re at least a little bit familiar with the concept of the performative male.
For those unfamiliar, imagine a man who is always wearing a woollen vest laden with badges from a number of activist causes. He never leaves home without his copy of Judith Butler’s Gender Trouble under his arm. He can be consistently relied upon to hand out period products – and he will go to bat to make sure they are not subject to a luxury tax.
This is the performative male, and many college campuses – both here in Ireland and overseas – have hosted light-hearted performative male competitions.
We may have followed the performative male trend with intrigue and confusion, but now it’s time for the performative butches among us to rise up. That’s right, Booters, a London-based diner experience, is on the hunt for the ultimate Irish performative butch, fresh off the success of similar competitions in London.
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Booters will be hosting two competitions in Ireland this weekend. The first kicks off in The Liberty Bar on S. Main Street, Cork, on Friday, November 21. Participants keen to take the title of most performative butch are encouraged to register online and get to The Liberty Bar for 6.45pm. In addition to winning the title, the winner will also get to take home a butch basket of goodies to enjoy.
Afterwards, attendees and participants are welcome to attend an after-party, courtesy of Dyke Nite.
Then, on Saturday, November 22, Booters will bring their performative butch competition to Street 66 in collaboration with the Dublin Lesbian Line, kicking off at 7pm.
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On social media, Booters stresses that the competition is open to all, with studs, POC, transfems and plus-sized contestants especially encouraged to take part.
Curious about how to channel your inner performative butch? Simply take a look at Booters’ promo artwork. Think Síle na Gig symbolism, Pillow Queens merch, O’Neill’s merch and badges from the Marriage Equality referendum.
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